NYC bans employers from discriminating against caregivers

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said people who care for their loved ones shouldn't face discrimination from employers or potential employers. (Susan Watts/New York Daily News)

Employers will be barred from discriminating against workers who care for kids or disabled relatives under a bill passed Wednesday by the City Council.

The measure adds caregivers as a protected class under city human rights laws — alongside race, religion, gender, and other categories. Businesses won't be allowed to treat caregivers differently from other workers on hiring, firing, pay, or hours decisions.

"Caregivers make great personal sacrifices to improve the lives of their loved ones and they shouldn't have to face discrimination from employers or prospective employers because of this," said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.